🇩🇪 German taxes · updated for 2026
Filing your taxes in Germany: your options.
Your employer withholds wage tax every month, but a tax return can still matter. It can help you claim expenses, correct your annual tax result and, in many cases, receive a refund.
Plain-English guide for employees, expats and internationals in Germany
When is the tax return due?
If you are required to file a German income tax return and you prepare it yourself, the regular deadline is usually 31 July of the following year. For the 2025 tax year, that means 31 July 2026.
Important distinction
Not everyone is required to file. Some employees file voluntarily because they expect a refund. Voluntary tax returns usually have a longer time window, but you should not wait until the last moment if documents are missing.
Your main filing options.
There is no single best option for everyone. The right choice depends on your German level, complexity, budget and whether you need actual tax advice or only software guidance.
Which option fits your situation?
Simple employee case
You have one German employer, no foreign income and only standard deductions. ELSTER, guided software or a Lohnsteuerhilfeverein may be enough.
Expat situation
You moved to Germany, had income abroad, received relocation benefits or have cross-border tax questions. A tax advisor is often worth considering.
Investment or business income
If you have rental income, freelance work, company income, stock compensation or complex investments, get professional tax support early.
When filing is commonly required.
Employees are not always required to submit a tax return. However, these situations often trigger a filing obligation or make filing especially relevant.
- You received wage-replacement benefits.
Examples include parental allowance, unemployment benefits, short-time work allowance or sick pay above relevant thresholds. - You had multiple employers.
This can include parallel jobs or tax class VI situations. - You are married with certain tax class combinations.
Tax class III/V or IV with factor can make filing more likely. - You had additional income.
Examples include rental income, freelance income or foreign income.
How to prepare your tax return.
Payslips, annual wage tax certificate, health insurance information, pension contributions, donation receipts, work-related expenses and moving or home-office documents.
Use ELSTER, tax software, a Lohnsteuerhilfeverein or a Steuerberater depending on complexity and support needs.
Most income tax returns are submitted electronically. Keep receipts and proof documents in case the tax office asks for them.
When the tax assessment notice arrives, compare it with your submitted return and react quickly if something looks wrong.
For expats
Do not only ask: “How can I file cheaply?”
A cheap filing tool can be perfectly fine for a simple case. But if you have moved countries, changed residence during the year, received foreign income, own assets abroad or have employer benefits, the bigger risk is not the filing fee — it is filing incorrectly.
FAQ.
Is ELSTER available in English?
ELSTER offers some information in English, but tax forms and official terminology are still mainly German. If you are unsure, guided software or professional help may be easier.
Can I file voluntarily if I am not required to?
Yes. Many employees file voluntarily because they want to claim deductions and possibly receive a refund.
Do I need to send all receipts immediately?
Usually, you keep receipts and submit them only if the tax office requests proof. Keep your documents organized.
Is a Steuerberater always necessary?
No. For simple employee cases, software or a Lohnsteuerhilfeverein can be enough. For complex, international or business-related cases, a Steuerberater is often safer.